Tooth loss is a global problem. It has been estimated by the Oral Health Foundation that around 71% of British adults have lost at least one tooth. Losing one or more teeth creates aesthetic concerns and makes it difficult to eat and speak properly. That is why dentists recommend that missing teeth should be replaced without delay.
If you are looking for a reliable and aesthetically-pleasing replacement option for your missing teeth, dental implants are an excellent choice. However, one of the commonly asked questions by dental patients about implants is their longevity. If you are also looking for an answer to this question, this blog will answer it for you, along with other commonly asked dental implant-related questions. So, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants, Its Procedures, And Benefits?
According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an implant is a screw-shaped, titanium-based fixture inserted directly into the jaw bone to serve as a replacement root for an artificial tooth. Over time, the implant becomes fully anchored with the bone and offers a solid foundation for the attachment of artificial teeth.
The procedure of implant placement is usually carried out in multiple steps.
1. After careful and thorough treatment planning, your dentist will insert the implant at a pre-defined location.
2. Afterwards, a healing cap will be placed over it for a few months to ensure optimal surgical site healing.
3. Once the implant site has healed, your dentist will attach a suitable prosthesis over it to complete the artificial tooth structure.
The most significant advantages of dental implants over other tooth replacement options are their lifelike aesthetics, durability, and safety. Besides, they also conserve the surrounding jawbone and prevent unwanted bone loss in the region, unlike removable dentures.
How Long Does A Dental Implant Last?
According to Healthline, dental implants offer a permanent solution for replacing missing natural teeth. In fact, with proper care through strict oral hygiene care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime. Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth when it comes to durability.
How Long Can You Wait Between Dental Implant Phases?
A common concern among dental patients is, “how do I live without my teeth while the implant site is healing?”. This is a valid concern, and to address it, your dentist will place an artificial crown or restoration over the implants to restore the aesthetics temporarily. These temporary teeth are purely for aesthetic purposes, and they should not be used for eating. After 4-6 months, when sufficient healing occurs, your denist will remove the temporary teeth and replace them with a permanent prosthesis.
What Are Implant Retained Dentures?
An implant-retained denture is an appliance that is supported by dental implants. Conventionally, dentures gain support and retention from the underlying soft tissues, jawbone and neighbouring teeth. However, an implant retained denture sits firmly on dental implants and offers significantly better retention and stability than conventional removable dentures.
Are Dental Implants Safe In The Long Run?
Dental implants are made from titanium. Titanium and its alloys are known to be entirely safe for use inside the human body. Furthermore, unlike other tooth replacement options like removable dentures and bridges that may cause allergic reactions, dental implants carry no risk of allergy. Hence, dental implants can be safely used for tooth replacement.
How Often Should A Dental Implant Come Loose?
Dental implants placed by an experienced implant dentist, and after careful treatment planning and rarely come loose. However, when implants are placed when there is underlying gum or periodontal issues or insufficient jawbone available to support it, there are higher chances of the implant becoming loose. That is why it is always a good idea to visit an experienced and qualified dentist to get your missing teeth replaced with dental implants.
How Many Teeth Can Be Replaced With Dental Implants?
A good thing about dental implants is that they can be used to replace a single, multiple, or all teeth missing in a jaw. Furthermore, there is no need to get an implant for each missing tooth. Instead, up to 4 or 6 implants are sufficient to support a complete fixed bridge used to restore all missing teeth in a jaw. The prosthesis used over the implants to replace the missing teeth will depend on the number and the location of the missing teeth.
Are Dental Implants As Good As The Natural Tooth?
Despite considerable advancements in dental technology, there is still no tooth-replacement option as good as natural teeth. However, we can safely say that dental implants are the next best thing for your teeth.
How Often Will I Need To Have My Dental Implants Checked?
Dental implants require the same oral hygiene care as natural teeth. Similarly, visiting your dentist for regular checkups is sufficient for ensuring the optimal health of your teeth and the status of your dental implants. As long as you don’t miss your checkup appointments, you don’t have to worry about your dental implants becoming loose or falling off.
When considering tooth replacement with dental implants, the most crucial factor is selecting an experienced and qualified implant dentist is the most critical factor. If you live in Chingford, Chingford Mount Dental Practice is an excellent place for getting implants. We have a highly qualified team of dentists and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that your implant-supported teeth give you a beautiful smile and last a lifetime. So, book a new patient appointment with us today and let us give you a healthy and beautiful smile with dental implants.
